U.S. patent application number 10/737612 was filed with the patent office on 2004-07-01 for carrier and method.
Invention is credited to Cuomo, Angelo V..
Application Number | 20040124107 10/737612 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46300542 |
Filed Date | 2004-07-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040124107 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cuomo, Angelo V. |
July 1, 2004 |
Carrier and method
Abstract
The carrier has a folded-panel central vertical support
structure with a handle and a pair of trays or receptacles attached
to the central support structure, and an optional auxiliary tray
with a slotted bottom which can be fitted onto the central support
panel. A folded side-wall structure can be unfolded to start the
formation of the trays, and a plurality of folded flanges unfold to
form a bottom for each receptacle. Dividers separate each
receptacle into the three compartments to hold six beverage or
other containers in the trays or receptacles. The carriers can be
made from a single sheet and advertising printed entirely on one
side to facilitate efficient fabrication at a moderate cost.
Inventors: |
Cuomo, Angelo V.; (Staten
Island, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KRAMER LEVIN NAFTALIS & FRANKEL LLP
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
919 THIRD AVENUE
NEW YORK
NY
10022
US
|
Family ID: |
46300542 |
Appl. No.: |
10/737612 |
Filed: |
December 16, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10737612 |
Dec 16, 2003 |
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10213938 |
Aug 6, 2002 |
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10737612 |
Dec 16, 2003 |
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10662265 |
Sep 15, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/427 ;
206/170 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2571/00802
20130101; B65D 2571/0079 20130101; B65D 2571/00666 20130101; B65D
2571/00141 20130101; B65D 71/0014 20130101; B65D 71/72 20130101;
B65D 2571/00981 20130101; B65D 2571/00932 20130101; B65D 2571/0029
20130101; B65D 2571/00339 20130101; B65D 2571/0066 20130101; B65D
2571/00728 20130101; B65D 2571/0037 20130101; B65D 2571/00302
20130101; B65D 2571/00487 20130101; B65D 71/0077 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/427 ;
206/170 |
International
Class: |
B65D 075/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A carrier comprising: a central support structure having at
least one support panel and a handle structure; a pair of foldable
side wall structures each extending outwardly from one of said
central support structure when unfolded to form a side wall for a
retainer structure; each of said side wall structures comprising a
plurality of panels attached together and to said support structure
along vertical fold lines, each of said side wall panels having an
upper edge and a lower edge, said side wall panels including one
panel spaced from and opposing said central support structure; each
of said central panel structure and said one side wall panel having
a foldable flange structure extending outwardly from the lower edge
thereof and overlapping the other flange to form a bottom support
structure for said retainer structure when unfolded.
2. A carrier as in claim 1 including at least one foldable divider
wall having two ends and extending between and secured to said
central support structure at one of said ends, and to said one
panel at the other of said ends.
3. A carrier as in claim 1 in which each of said side wall
structures includes four walls, each having a flange extending from
its bottom edge, each of said flanges being secured to an adjacent
flange with a diagonal fold line to permit folding of said flanges,
to provide support for said flanges to form a bottom for said
retainer structure.
4. A carrier as in claim 1 in which said central support structure
comprises a panel folded to form two panels with the fold line
forming the upper edge of said central support structure, each of
said retainer structures extending outwardly from one of said
panels of said support structure.
5. A carrier as in claim 2 in which said divider wall has an upper
edge and a lower edge, said lower edge being spaced upwardly from
the lower edges of said side wall panels to permit downward
unfolding of said flanges.
6. A carrier as in claim 2 in which each of said divider walls is
formed as a hinged cut-out from one of said central support
structure panels.
7. A carrier as in claim 1 in which at least one of said flanges
has a lateral edge positioned to contact another surface to hold
said side walls in the unfolded position and deter said carrier
from returning to its folded position.
8. A carrier as in claim 7 in which said other surface is a lateral
edge on the other of said flanges.
9. A carrier as in claim 8 in which each of said flanges has a
projection which has said lateral edge so that when said flanges
are unfolded said lateral edges engage one another to hold said
side walls in the unfolded position.
10. A carrier comprising: a plurality of separate carrier units
coupled together to form a single carrier; each of said units
comprising a vertical panel support structure with a pair of
receptacles extending from adjacent the lower area of said support
panel structure, said support panel structure having a handle hole
adjacent the upper edge of said panel and extending relatively near
at least one side edge of said panel; and a tray having a central
slot long enough to embrace the panels of said units
simultaneously, said tray being fitted over at least two of said
support panels to join said units together with said handle holes
close to one another so that both can be grasped by a person using
one hand.
11. A carrier as in claim 10 in which each of said units has at
least two receptacles, one on each side of said support panel, and
each receptacle has a plurality of side-folding side wall panels
forming a rectilinear enclosure, and a plurality of flanges at the
bottoms of said side wall panels, said panels overlapping one
another and selectively secured together to form a bottom wall for
a receptacle when unfolded.
12. A carrier as in claim 10 in which each of said support panel
structures comprises a single panel folded over to form two panels
hinged together along the top edge of said support panel
structure.
13. In a folding carrier for containers or food, said carrier
having a carrying support structure with a handle and at least one
folding receptacle secured to said support structure, said
receptacle having a foldable side wall structure having a plurality
of side walls joined together along fold lines to form a foldable
enclosure, each of said side walls having an upper edge and a lower
edge and corners at said fold lines, and a bottom structure formed
by foldable flanges extending from said lower edge of at least two
adjacent ones of said side walls, said flanges being secured to one
another adjacent one of said corners.
14. A carrier as in claim 13 including a diagonal fold line for at
least one of said flanges adjacent said one corner.
15. A carrier as in claim 13 in which said foldable enclosure has a
generally rectangular shape with four opposed corners, said bottom
structure including two other flanges extending from others of said
side walls and secured together at a corner opposite said one
corner.
16. A carrier as in claim 13 at least one of said flanges at each
of said corners having a diagonal fold line extending outwardly
from the corner.
17. A carrier as in claim 14 said flanges being secured together
only on one side of said diagonal fold line.
18. A carrier as in claim 13 in which each of said flanges has two
opposite ends, one of said ends of one of said flanges being
secured to the other of said flanges, and the opposite end of said
one flange being cut off at an angle.
19. A carrier as in claim 13 in which said enclosure has a length
and a width, and one of said flanges extends for substantially the
entire width of said enclosure.
20. A carrier as in claim 19 in which said one flange has a far
edge which frictionally engages an opposed one of said side walls
when said side walls are unfolded, thereby to held said one flange
in place and form a first layer of a multi-layer bottom wall
resting on at least one other flange.
21. A carrier as in claim 20 including two other flanges secured
together adjacent a corner of said enclosure opposite to the
first-named corner.
22. A carrier as in claim 13 including a least one divider secured
at one end to one of said side walls, and at the other end to said
support structure.
23. A folding carrier for containers or food, said carrier having a
central support structure with a pair of opposed receptacles
extending from opposite sides of said central support structure,
each of said receptacles having: a foldable side wall structure
having a plurality of side walls joined together along fold lines
to form a foldable enclosure, each of said side walls having an
upper edge and a lower edge and corners at said fold lines; a
bottom structure formed by foldable flanges extending from said
lower edge of at least two adjacent ones of said side walls, said
flanges being secured to one another adjacent one of said corners;
including a diagonal fold line for at least one of said flanges
adjacent said one corner; and in which said foldable enclosure has
a generally rectangular shape with four opposed corners, said
bottom structure including two other flanges extending from others
of said side walls and secured together at a corner opposite said
one corner.
24. A carrier as in claim 23 in which said enclosure has a length
and a width, and one of said flanges extends for substantially the
entire width of said enclosure.
25. A carrier as in claim 24 in which said one flange has a far
edge which frictionally engages an opposed one of said side walls
when said side walls are unfolded, thereby to hold said one flange
in place and form a first layer of a multi-layer bottom wall
resting on at least one other flange.
26. A carrier as in claim 25 including slots in said opposed side
wall and projections from said far edge to fit into said slots to
hold said one flange down.
27. In a folding carrier for containers or food, said carrier
having a carrying support structure with a handle and at least one
folding receptacle secured to said support structure, said
receptacle having a foldable side wall structure having a plurality
of side walls joined together along fold lines to form a foldable
enclosure, each of said side walls having an upper edge and a lower
edge and corners at said fold lines, and a bottom structure formed
by foldable flanges extending from said lower edge said flanges
being shaped so as not to interfere with one another during
unfolding of said receptacle and overlie one another, at least
partially, so as to form a multi-ply bottom for said receptacle,
adjacent ones of said flanges being attached to one another and
having fold lines to allow said flanges to fold up but form
reinforced bottom corners for the bottom of said receptacle when
unfolded.
28. A carrier as in claim 27 including means for holding said
flanges against folding up again after being unfolded.
Description
[0001] This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/213,938 filed Aug. 9, 2002, and of
Ser. No. 10/662,265, filed on Sep. 15, 2003.
[0002] This invention relates to carriers, and manufacturing
methods, and particularly to hand-held carriers and methods used in
carrying and distributing foods, including beverages, and other
objects such as cylindrical or other containers, and further
relates to advertising means and methods using such carriers and
methods.
[0003] A problem of long standing is that of distributing food from
distribution stands, stores, restaurants, etc., to people to carry
to a distant site at which the food is to be eaten. It is difficult
for one to carry much more than one or two beverage cups, or one
cup and one item of solid food, if only the hands are available for
use in carrying the food.
[0004] Food carriers are used when more substantial quantities of
food must be carried. However, because the carriers must be
relatively low in cost, they usually are relatively flimsy and are
easily deformed to cause the food to spill from the carrier.
[0005] One type of prior carrier has a pair of foldable trays
secured to a central support panel with a hand-hold used for
carrying the device. The trays have beverage-receiving holes for
use in carrying up to four full beverage cups. An auxiliary tray
with a long slot in the bottom is fitted onto the central support
panel with the panel extending through the slot. The auxiliary tray
typically is used for holding solid foods such as hot dogs. The
auxiliary tray can rest upon the tops of the beverage containers
below it. The carrier thus can be used to carry food and beverages
for several people.
[0006] The foregoing type of carrier has several disadvantages.
[0007] One disadvantage is that several different motions are
required in order to unfold the flattened carrier and prepare it
for use. This makes the carrier relatively slow and intricate to
use.
[0008] Another disadvantage is that the container often will not
stand up on a horizontal surface by itself. This makes it more
difficult and slower to load the food into the carrier.
[0009] It has been suggested that such carriers be used to carry
advertising for sponsors who supply the carriers. By doing this the
relatively higher costs of the carriers are paid by advertisers.
Thus, it is desirable to maximize the surface area available for
such advertising without excessive increases in cost.
[0010] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a
carrier and method which eliminate or alleviate the foregoing
disadvantages.
[0011] In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a
food and/or beverage carrier which is relatively quick and easy to
unfold and set up, and thus speeds the food and beverage
distribution process.
[0012] It is another object to provide such a carrier which is
relatively sturdy and easy to load and unload, thus further
speeding and smoothing the distribution of beverages and food.
[0013] It is a further object to provide such a carrier with an
increased surface area for displaying advertising.
[0014] It is an additional object to provide a carrier which is
relatively economical to make, and is sturdy and reliable in
use.
[0015] In accordance with the present invention, the foregoing
objects are met by the provision of a carrier having a central
support panel with folded receptacles on opposite sides, each of
the receptacles consisting of a folded side-wall structure which
unfolds to provide a side wall, and a plurality of folded
horizontal support panels in the form of flanges which unfold to
form a bottom for each receptacle.
[0016] In one specific embodiment, the horizontal panel has at
least one holding hole for receiving and holding a beverage
cup.
[0017] Although the specific embodiment described immediately above
is good for holding tapered beverage cups whose upper portion will
engage with the edge of the hole to hold it in the carrier, another
embodiment preferably is used for carrying non-tapered containers,
such as cylindrical beverage cans and bottles, and similarly shaped
articles. In this embodiment, the trays or receptacles have flat
bottoms without holding holes to support the objects. Preferably,
the carrier also has retractable side barriers or fixed dividers to
support upright containers to sit upright on the flat bottom and
prevent the containers from tipping sideways. Thus, in a preferred
embodiment, a six-bottle or can carrier is provided.
[0018] A holding structure preferably is provided to hold the
panels relative to the side wall to support the load to be
carried.
[0019] In another embodiment, the holding structure includes a tab
on one of the parts which engages the other part.
[0020] In a further embodiment, the panels or flanges are
selectively secured together and folded so as to support the panel
structure under a load.
[0021] Preferably, the flanges are structured so as to
automatically enter the confines of the side wall when the side
wall is unfolded so that the carrier is unfolded and set up for use
in a single motion.
[0022] In another embodiment of the invention, in each receptacle
there are two vertically spaced-apart horizontal panels connected
to one another, each having at least one beverage-receiving hole
aligned with a similar hole in the other panel to support and hold
a beverage container.
[0023] An optional auxiliary tray is provided. It has a slot in the
bottom through which the central panel is inserted. This tray can
be used to hold solid food items, with the tray resting on either
the tops of beverage containers held in the trays, or on the upper
edges of the side-walls.
[0024] In another embodiment, the auxiliary tray has the same
construction as the main carrier except that it has no beverage cup
holes and it has a central recess which fits over the central
support panel of the carrier. This auxiliary tray can be used
independently as a solid food carrier.
[0025] In an embodiment having a flat bottom for supporting
cylindrical containers, etc., and which has one or more fixed or
retractable side barriers, the barriers serve as dividers to divide
each receptacle of the carrier into two o three or more different
compartments. One or all compartments can be used to carry beverage
cans or bottles, or some compartments for cans or bottles and the
others for solid foods or other objects.
[0026] The carrier is relatively quick and easy to use in serving
foods and beverages. The food server prepares the food to the
customer's order. Then, he or she merely unfolds the side-wall
structure and places the carrier on a flat surface. Then the server
loads the carrier with food and/or beverages. Because the carrier
stands erect on its own, the server can use both hands to load the
food into the carrier.
[0027] A six-pack carrier for beverage or other bottles and cans
has two fixed dividers which unfold automatically when the carrier
is unfolded.
[0028] If the order is only for liquid foods, such as soup or
beverages, the beverage-containing cups are inserted into the
receiving holes in the trays, or placed on the flat bottom wall of
the receptacles, and the carrier is grasped by the handle and
carried away by the customer.
[0029] If the order also includes solid foods, such as hot dogs,
hamburgers, bags of peanuts, potato chips, popcorn, etc., then the
auxiliary tray is slipped downwardly onto the central support
panel, the sold food is placed in the auxiliary tray, and the
customer grasps the handle and carries all of the good items away
with one hand.
[0030] If the order includes only solid food items, they can be
placed in the carrier trays, as long as they are large enough not
to pass through the beverage-receiving holes.
[0031] In the embodiment having flat bottomed receptacles with
optional retractable side barriers, virtually any type of beverage
container can be carried, whether tapered cups, cylindrical cans or
bottles, or other shapes. Food can be carried side-by-side with
beverages by use of the pop-up side barriers to prevent the
beverages from tipping over.
[0032] Alternatively, or in addition, the solid food items can be
carried in one of the auxiliary trays described above.
[0033] Food distribution using the carriers of the invention is
made faster and easier, both for the servers and the customers, in
many different types of events and locations. For example, the
carrier can be used to advantage in distributing food from
concession stands in baseball, football, tennis and other stadiums;
in basketball and other indoor sports arenas; at picnics, indoor
and outdoor political and other meetings, and conventions; at
self-serve or other carry-out restaurants; at parties and other
social gatherings, and at virtually any function or location where
food must be carried by the consumer.
[0034] Advantageously, the carrier bears the advertisements of one
or more sponsors who either supply the carriers for free or defray
some of their cost. The advertising can include tear-off coupons
good for credit against the purchase of merchandise in order to
promote the sale of the merchandise.
[0035] Advantageously, the carrier of the present invention has an
increased exterior surface area for displaying such
advertising.
[0036] A notable increase in the available advertising space is
created by the construction feature in which the central support
panel structure consists of a single panel folded in the middle to
form a hinge between the two panels formed by the fold, with a
foldable receptacle secured to each of the separate panels.
Advertising is printed on the inside facing surfaces of the two
panels. A message is displayed on the outside of the carrier
advising the user about the interesting materials to be seen by
swinging the two halves of the carrier apart.
[0037] Advantageously, the carrier can be formed from a single
paperboard sheet or blank which can be scored to form separation
lines and fold lines. The central support panels, and the foldable
receptacle side and bottom walls are all hinged together. The blank
advantageously has one surface which is finished and suitable for
high quality printing. Preferably, all of the advertising material
can be printed on the one surface in one printing operation. Then,
the parts are separated along the separation lines, and folded
along the fold lines, with selected panels being glued together in
selected locations, to form the final folded carrier product.
[0038] The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the
invention will be apparent from or explained in the following
description and drawings.
[0039] IN THE DRAWINGS:
[0040] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the food
carrier of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional, partially broken-away view
taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1, with modifications to illustrate
the operation of the invention;
[0042] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the base portion of the
carrier of FIG. 1 folded flat;
[0043] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a tray of the carrier base
shown in FIG. 3, with the tray shown partially unfolded;
[0044] FIG. 5 is a top plan view like that of FIG. 4 with the tray
fully unfolded;
[0045] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the folded auxiliary tray of
the carrier shown in FIG. 1;
[0046] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
carrier of the invention;
[0047] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional, broken away view taken along
line 8-8 of FIG. 7;
[0048] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional, broken away view taken along
line 9-9 of FIG. 7;
[0049] FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of the folded up carrier
base which is shown unfolded in FIG. 7;
[0050] FIG. 11 is a schematic side elevation view of a portion of
the base shown in FIGS. 7 and 10 in partially unfolded form;
[0051] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
food carrier of the present invention;
[0052] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional, broken away view taken along
line 13-13 of FIG. 12;
[0053] FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the cut form for one half of
the carrier base shown in FIG. 1;
[0054] FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the cut form for one half of
the carrier base shown in FIG. 12;
[0055] FIG. 16 is a perspective, partially cut-away and partially
schematic view of another embodiment of the carrier of the present
invention;
[0056] FIG. 17 is a schematic view illustrating one manner of using
the carrier of FIG. 16;
[0057] FIG. 18 is a rear elevation view of the inside surfaces of
the structure shown in FIGS. 16 and 17;
[0058] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional, partially broken-away view
taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 16;
[0059] FIG. 20 is a bottom plan view of a portion of the structure
of FIG. 16, with one of the receptacles partially folded;
[0060] FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating
structural features of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16-20;
[0061] FIG. 22 is a perspective, broken-away view of an alternative
embodiment of the carrier shown in FIGS. 16-21;
[0062] FIG. 23 is a top plan view of a single blank used to make
the embodiment of the carrier shown in FIGS. 16-21;
[0063] FIG. 24 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of
another embodiment of the carrier of the present invention;
[0064] FIG. 25 is a bottom plan view of a partially unfolded bottom
structure for one of the receptacles of the carrier shown in FIG.
24;
[0065] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
present invention;
[0066] FIG. 27 is a bottom plan view of the bottom of one of the
receptacles of the carrier shown in FIG. 26;
[0067] FIG. 28 is a side elevation view of the carrier of FIG. 26
with an auxiliary tray attached;
[0068] FIG. 29 is a front elevation view of a pair of the carriers
shown in FIG. 26 ganged together by a tray to form an enlarged
carrier;
[0069] FIG. 30 is a top plan view of a blank used to form the
carrier shown in FIG. 24;
[0070] FIG. 31 is a top plan view of a blank used to form the
carrier of FIG. 26;
[0071] FIG. 32 is a broken-away view of the bottom portion of an
alternative bottom construction for the carrier of FIG. 26;
[0072] FIG. 33 is a bottom plan view of a partially unfolded bottom
section of the carrier illustrated in FIG. 32;
[0073] FIG. 34 is a top plan view of a blank used to make the
carrier illustrated in FIGS. 32 and 33;
[0074] FIG. 35 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of
another carrier of the invention;
[0075] FIG. 36 is a bottom plan view of one of the compartments of
the carrier shown in FIG. 35;
[0076] FIG. 37 is a perspective, partially broken away view of
another carrier of the invention;
[0077] FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view, partially schematic and
partially broken away, taken along line 38-38 of FIG. 37;
[0078] FIG. 39 is a top plan view of the blank used to make the
carrier shown in FIG. 35; and
[0079] FIG. 40 is a top plan view of the blank used to form the
carrier of FIG. 37.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
[0080] Referring first to FIG. 1, the food carrier 20 of the
present invention includes a central vertical support panel 22 made
of two separate fiberboard panels 26 and 28 adhered together with
adhesive to form a laminate.
[0081] Extending outwardly from opposite sides of the central panel
22 are two trays 30 and 32 for carrying beverages in up to four
cups, such as the cup 62, or solid foods.
[0082] Also shown in FIG. 1 is an optional auxiliary tray 70 with
side walls 72 and 74 and a bottom wall 76 with an elongated central
slot 78.
[0083] When the customer orders solid food as well as several
beverages, the auxiliary tray 70 is fitted down over the central
support panel 22 which extends through the slot 78, and the
auxiliary tray 70 slides downwardly until it rests on top of the
beverage cups or the upper edges 52 of the trays 30 and 32. A
hand-hole 34 is provided in the central support panel 22 and the
entire assembly can be carried from a concession stand to the seats
in a stadium or the like by using only one hand inserted through
the hand-hole 34.
[0084] When the customer returns to his or her seat, the customer
removes the solid foods from the tray 70, slips the tray 70 off of
the central support panel 22, and then removes the beverages from
the trays 30 and 32 to distribute to the people for whom the food
was ordered.
[0085] Advantageously, both the base of the carrier, consisting of
the central support panel 22 and the trays 30 and 32, and the
auxiliary tray 70 fold flat for compact storage at the concession
stand. As it will be explained in greater detail below, the base
unit is particularly advantageous in that it can be unfolded very
quickly and easily and stands erect on its own so that it can be
loaded with beverages very quickly, thus enhancing the efficiency
of the food servers using them.
[0086] Also in accordance with the present invention, the carrier
has an enlarged surface area for the display of advertising by
advertisers who buy and supply the carriers to the food vendors or
distributors, thus maximizing the advertising value to the
advertisers.
Preferred Carrier Base
[0087] The preferred carrier base shown in FIG. 1 has a
construction which makes the base relatively easy and quick to
unfold, and yet enables it to stand erect on a horizontal surface
to greatly speed loading food into it.
[0088] Referring now to both FIGS. 1 and 2, the tray 32 includes a
vertical foldable side wall consisting of sections 40, 42 and 44
which extends from the panel 28 at one end, and is secured at the
other end by adhesive to the panel 28 by means of a tab 54
extending outwardly from the panel 28 adjacent its bottom edge.
[0089] As it is shown most clearly in FIG. 2, the panel 28 is bent
along a fold line 52 to form a horizontal support panel 46 which is
shaped and dimensioned so as to fit snugly into the outlines formed
by the side wall structure to support the carrier in an erect
position when resting on a horizontal surface. The horizontal panel
46 has two relatively large holes 48 and 50 shaped and sized to
receive and hold beverage cups, such as the cup 62 which is shown
in FIG. 1 fitted into the opening 48.
[0090] Typically, the beverage cups are tapered so that they are
slightly smaller at the bottom than at the top, and the holes 48
and 50 are dimensioned so as to hold the cup 62 with its upper rim
64 somewhere above the horizontal panel 46, but below the upper
edge 52 of the tray 32.
[0091] The tray 30 on the other side of the central support panel
22 has a construction which is the mirror image of that shown for
the tray 32. Thus, it has a side wall formed of sections 41, 43 and
45, and a horizontal support panel 47 with holes 49 and 51 for
receiving beverages. Another tab 54 is used to secure the side wall
to the panel 26 with adhesive or the like.
[0092] FIG. 3 shows the food carrier base of FIG. 1 when folded
flat. Both of the side wall structures fold flat, each against its
own side, and the horizontal panels 46 and 47 fold upwardly to lie
flat against the central support panel 22.
[0093] When it is desired to unfold the carrier base, the food
server merely inserts his or her fingers into the corners of the
folded side walls and pulls in the direction indicated by the arrow
82 in FIG. 4, and on the corresponding point in the other tray (not
shown in FIG. 4) to unfold the side walls and form the trays 30 and
32.
[0094] Referring now to FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, as well as FIG. 14,
extensions 58, projections 56 and 58, 88 and 100 extend inwardly
from the bottom edges of the side wall to form a platform upon
which the horizontal support panel 46 rests in order to support the
relatively heavy weight of multiple large cups filled with
beverages.
[0095] As it is shown in FIG. 4, the projections are shaped with
circular cut-out areas 90 and 92 so as to align with the edges of
the holes 48 and 50 when the tray is unfolded.
[0096] The projection from the long lateral side 42 has a fold line
86 at one end and a tab 84 which is adhesively attached to the
projection 100 extending from the bottom edge of the panel 40.
[0097] The projections 56 and 58 are not secured to one another and
the projection 56 slides over the top of the projection 58 during
unfolding.
[0098] The projection 58 from the side wall section 44 has a fold
line at 98 and a tab 96 extending underneath the horizontal support
panel 46. Preferably, the tab 96 is adhesively secured to the panel
46 so as to provide a means for automatically pulling the panel 46
downwardly into the space between the side walls 40, 42 and 44 as
the tray is unfolded.
[0099] FIG. 5 shows the tray 32 when it is fully unfolded. The cut
outs 90 and 92 align correctly with the holes 48 and 50, and the
projections around the periphery provide ample support for the
horizontal panel 46.
[0100] Referring now to FIG. 2, the outermost edge 55 of each panel
46 and 47 is positioned so that it preferably slightly frictionally
engages the side wall 42 or 43 so as to hold it in place once it is
fully rotated to its horizontal position. When the trays 30 and 32
are opened in the manner described above, the horizontal support
panels 46 and 47 may not be unfolded all the way to the bottom of
their respective trays. Instead, the panel is only partially
depressed, to the position of panel 47 shown in FIG. 2. This is not
an impediment to fast filling of the carrier, and actually may
assist in locating a beverage cup such as the one shown at 66
correctly through the opening 51 in the panel 47 and the bottom of
the tray. Then, when the carrier is lifted up, the weight of the
full drink cups will pull the panels 46 and 47 downwardly and seat
them correctly, without any further effort by the food server.
[0101] Thus, a single unfolding motion by the food server is all
that is necessary to set up the food tray for loading. The
horizontal panels 46 and 47, even when they are in the angular
position shown in FIG. 2, hold the side walls to their desired
shape so as to hold the entire carrier erect when it is resting on
a horizontal surface such as the surface 60 shown in FIG. 2.
[0102] FIG. 14 shows the fiberboard form 104 used to form one half
of the carrier base. An identical form is provided to form the
other half of the base, and the two vertical panels are adhered
together with adhesive. The other panel portions are secured
together, and the assembled unit is folded flat for shipment to the
customer.
[0103] FIG. 6 shows the auxiliary tray 70 folded flat along fold
lines 102. It is a very simple matter to grasp the end panels 72
and pull them apart to erect the auxiliary panel when it is desired
to use an auxiliary panel. Of course, it should be understood that
the auxiliary tray 70 also can be used by itself to carry solid
foods. Although it usually is too flexible to safely carry
beverages, it can be used to carry one or possibly two beverages,
but with difficulty. It is far better and safer to use the carrier
base to carry beverages.
[0104] The carrier base construction makes it strong and easily
able to support the heavy weight of multiple full cups of
beverages, as well as solid foods piled into the auxiliary tray 70.
This is particularly so because of the folding vertical side wall
construction with the horizontal support panels which hold the side
walls in the desired shape.
[0105] Although it is preferred that the carrier base be used for
carrying beverages, there is no reason why it cannot also be used
to carry solid food items, such as hot dogs and hamburgers, if they
are large enough so that they will not fall through the holes in
the bottoms of the trays.
[0106] In fact, a version of the carrier base shown in FIG. 1 is
shown in FIG. 12, without holes in the bottoms of the trays. That
version is particularly good for carrying either large or small
solid food items. This construction will be described in greater
detail below.
Multi-Level Cup Carrier
[0107] FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the base of the
carrier of the present invention. The construction of the carrier
base 106 shown in FIG. 7 is largely the same as that shown in FIG.
1, and the same reference numerals are used for corresponding
elements in both Figures of the drawings.
[0108] Two trays 107 and 109 are secured adjacent the bottom edge
of the central support panel 22. The tray 107 has a side wall with
panels 40, 42 and 44, as described above. Similarly, the tray 109
has a side wall formed of panels 41, 43 and 45, also as described
above.
[0109] As it is shown in FIG. 9, the tray 107 is formed by the side
wall in combination with an extension comprising panels 110, 112,
114 and 116 extending from the bottom of the panel 28 and folded as
shown in FIG. 9 to form a rectangular structure 108. The
rectangular structure is adhesively secured to the panel 28 by
adhesive applied to the end section 116.
[0110] An upper opening and a lower opening are provided in order
to support each beverage cup. The side support provided by two
separate spaced locations bearing upon the sides of the cup helps
to increase the stability of the cup as it is being carried.
[0111] The folding structure 108 thus described is secured to the
side walls by a pair of tabs 134 cut from the material of the panel
112, as shown in FIG. 8, so as to form the tabs. These tabs fit
into notches 136 cut into the edges 42 and 43 of the side wall
portions of the construction.
[0112] The carrier base shown in FIG. 7 is shown folded flat in
FIG. 10. The structure 108 shown in FIG. 9 is folded upwardly to
the position shown in FIG. 10, and the side wall portions are
folded to the left, as shown.
[0113] In unfolding the carrier base, the food server merely pulls
on opposite corners of the side walls, as in the FIG. 1 embodiment,
and the springiness of the fiberboard causes the structures 108 to
rotate partially downwardly to the position shown in FIG. 11, thus
causing the side walls to hold a rectangular shape and support the
carrier base in an upright erect position to facilitate the loading
of the carrier.
[0114] The extra openings 118, 122, 126 and 130 formed in the upper
wall of each tray helps to stabilize the beverage containers when
they are resting on a horizontal surface waiting for the carrier to
be lifted upwardly.
[0115] When the carrier is lifted upwardly, the weight of the
beverage cups pulls the structures 108 downwardly and causes the
extending tabs 134 to be seated in the notches 136 in the side wall
portions 42 and 43 so as to lock the cup holding portions 108 to
the side walls to form a strong and sturdy carrier.
[0116] Alternatively, instead of the tabs 134 and notches 136,
folding projections such as projections 56, 58, 80, 88 and 100
shown in FIGS. 2-5 can be used as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1
to support the structures 108 from the bottom.
[0117] Although it is not shown in FIG. 7, it should be understood
that an auxiliary tray 70, such as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 6,
also can be used with the carrier base shown in FIG. 7, in the
manner described above with respect to the FIG. 1 structure.
[0118] FIG. 15 shows the unfolded parts used to form the carrier
base shown in FIG. 7. Again, the parts necessary to make only one
half of the carrier base are shown, and identical parts would be
used to form the other half.
[0119] The side wall portion is formed by a strip 146 which is
separate from the remainder of the structure, although it could be
formed as an integral extension of that structure in the manner of
the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, if desired.
[0120] The strip 146 has end portions 150 and 154 which are secured
to the panel 28 adjacent its bottom edge at the fold line 148.
Piggyback Carrier
[0121] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another food carrier 140 of
the present invention. This carrier consists of a base portion
which is the same as the base portion shown in either FIG. 1 or
FIG. 7, together with an auxiliary tray 141 which is almost
identical in construction to the base portion of the unit shown in
FIG. 1, except that there are no cup-receiving holes in the
horizontal support panels 46 and 47.
[0122] Additionally, the two halves of the auxiliary carrier 141
are formed from a single blank or two separate parts are secured
together at the top edges, so that two panels 142 and 144 are
draped over the top edge of the central support panel 22. The
panels 42 and 44 have holes 34 positioned to be aligned with the
hole 34 in the base unit so that a unitary hand-hole 34 is formed
for the combined carrier.
[0123] The two panels 142 and 144 are not secured together so that
the central support panel 22 of the base unit can fit readily into
the opening between the panels 142 and 144.
[0124] Thus, the auxiliary carrier 141 rides "piggyback" on the
base unit.
[0125] The auxiliary carrier 141 has separate utility. When a
customer orders only solid foods, or whenever the lack of
beverage-receiving holes is not a detriment, the carrier 141 can be
used alone. Thus, improved carrying of solid foods as well as
liquids is provided. Alternatively, the auxiliary carrier 141 can
have beverage-cup receiving holes so as to provide extra beverage
carrying capacity.
[0126] The height of the auxiliary unit 141 should be selected so
that it allows ample room for the cups held in the cup receptacle
openings in the base unit to extend a reasonable distance above the
bottom of the base unit.
Flat or "Solid"-Bottom Carrier
[0127] FIGS. 16 through 23 illustrate flat or "solid"-bottom
embodiments of the carriers of the present invention.
[0128] Referring to FIG. 16, the carrier 160 shown there has a
vertical central support panel structure 162 and two fold-out flat
or "solid"-bottom receptacles 164 and 166 which are shown in their
unfolded positions. As with the other embodiments of the invention
described above, the receptacles 164 and 166 fold flat against the
central panel structure 162 to minimize storage volume.
[0129] A hand hole is provided at 214 with foldable tabs 216
extending into the hole. When the tabs 216 are folded over by the
insertion of a hand into the hole, they partially cover the upper
edges of the hole so as to provide a smoother, broader surface to
make the carrier more comfortable to carry.
[0130] An auxiliary slotted bottom tray, indicated in dashed lines
schematically at 70 in FIG. 16, also can be used to hold additional
items, in the manner described above in connection with the other
embodiments of the invention.
[0131] The receptacles 164 and 166 differ from those shown above in
FIGS. 1-15 in that the bottom of each receptacle is flat and
"solid"; that is, it has a bottom panel structure which is flat
and, in one form, is without large holes, and on which containers
or other objects can rest, such as the cylindrical beverage
container can 218 shown in FIG. 16. Such containers, being
cylindrical, are not tapered and will not jam themselves into holes
in the bottom of the receptacles like the other embodiments
described above. Thus the carrier 160 can be used to carry
cylindrical or other-shaped containers, as well as tapered
containers, as it will be described more fully below.
[0132] Each of the receptacles has a folding side wall structure
including three side walls. Receptacle 164 has side walls 168, 170
and 172, and receptacle 166 has side walls 174, 176 and 178.
[0133] In addition, tabs 201 and 203 (see FIG. 16 and well as FIG.
23), are provided. Those tabs fit into corresponding slots near the
bottom edges of the panels 172, and 174 when the receptacles are
formed by the user, so as to hold each transverse panel 242 down
when it is inserted into the side wall structure. By this means,
the transverse panel holds the side wall structure in a rectangular
shape and allows the carrier to sit upright on a horizontal
surface, ready for having objects loaded into the receptacles
easily and quickly.
[0134] The central support panel structure 162 actually consists of
a single panel having two sections 204 and 206 (see FIG. 19) folded
at the top edge 208 of the carrier to form a hinge. Additional
thicknesses of paperboard 210 and 212 are folded over onto the
surfaces 204 and 206, respectively, in the upper half of those
panels to reinforce the panel structure 162, and to provide a
conveniently printable advertising display surface for both upper
halves of the panel structure 162.
[0135] The solid bottom structure includes a transverse support
panel 242 (see FIG. 21) with a folded side extension 244, and a
holding structure 186 (see FIG. 20) to support the transverse
support panel 242. The transverse panel 242 is formed as an
extension of one of the panels 204 at the bottom end, and is hinged
at 199 (see FIG. 16) to the bottom edge of the panel 204. A
detailed description of these structures will be set forth
below.
Pop-Up Side Barriers
[0136] Referring now to FIG. 16, in each of the receptacles is a
divider structure generally indicated at 180, which, in the
embodiment shown in FIG. 16, includes a pair of pop-up or
retractable side-barriers 182 and 184.
[0137] The pop-up side barriers 182 and 184 are formed as cutouts
from the bottom portion of the panel 204 and of the transverse
panel 242.
[0138] The structure 182 is shown in the "up" position to form a
side-barrier to hold an object 218 such as a beverage can or bottle
or cup in the compartment formed by the side barrier to prevent the
object 218 from tipping over in the carrier.
[0139] The other side barrier structure 184 is shown in the "down"
position, i.e., folded flat so as to permit solid food or other
objects to be carried in the second compartment of the receptacle
164.
[0140] It should be understood that the structures of the bottom
and pop-up barriers also are provided in the receptacle 166, but
are not shown in the drawings completely in order to avoid
redundancy.
[0141] The pop-up barrier structure 184 includes a first panel 196
hinged at its top edge to the panel 204, having a fold line at 198,
and a semicircular cutout 195 to conform to the surface of a
cylinder when it is popped up into barrier-forming position.
[0142] The structure 184 also has a fold line at 200, and at the
front edge 197.
[0143] The structure 182 leaves a cutout hole 192 in the lower
portion of the panel 204 when it is raised, and has a fold line 193
which allows it to be pulled or pushed upwardly through the hole in
the bottom to the position shown in FIG. 16.
[0144] Thus, when the carrier 160 is used, either one of the side
barrier structures 182 and 184 may be raised to its upright
position to form a cylindrical object-holding compartment. The
other side barrier structure can be left unfolded as shown in FIG.
16, so as to provide a compartment without a large opening in the
bottom to better enable it to carry solid objects such as
hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts, potato chips, etc., or any
other object fitting into the compartment, including relatively
smaller items.
[0145] If desired, both side barriers 182 and 184 can be left
unfolded so as to give a completely "solid" support bottom to hold
objects in the receptacle. For example, if three beverage cans will
fit side-by-side in the receptacle, they can be placed in the
receptacle without raising the side barriers and they will support
each other and prevent the others from toppling over.
Advertising Space
[0146] Virtually all of the side walls and exterior panels of the
carrier preferably bear advertising, since it is advertising which
facilitates the provision of the carrier to the consumer at no
cost, and at a moderate cost or no cost to the food purveyor. For
example, advertising appears at 220 on the upper panel 210, on the
sides such as at 222 and 224 (also see FIG. 17).
[0147] In addition, advertising space advantageously is provided on
the interior facing surfaces of the panels 204 and 206. This
advertising is accessed by merely swinging the two panels 204 and
206 apart at the hinge 208, as illustrated in FIG. 17, to expose
the interior surfaces of the panels as shown in FIG. 18.
[0148] The surface 206 shown in FIG. 18 carries advertising 226.
Advantageously, a CD record 228 is attached to the panel 206, as a
free gift to the consumer. It carries any desirable subject matter,
such as recorded music, and, if desired, a commercial for the
sponsor's product.
[0149] Preferably, on the outside surface of the carrier 160, a
legend appears informing the user of the advertising and gifts
appearing on the inside panels so as to urge the user to spread the
panels apart to see what is there.
[0150] By this means, the effective advertising surface area of the
carrier has been greatly augmented, at minimal cost.
[0151] It should be noted that the central panel structure 162
having two panels hinged along their upper edges is a construction
which is usable with each of the different embodiments of the
invention shown in this patent application. In fact, the upper tray
141 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 actually has this hinged
construction. Thus, advertising can be printed on each of the
interiors facing surfaces of the central panel structure, with the
increase in advertising space noted above.
Holding Panel Structure
[0152] FIG. 20 shows the holding panel structure 186 of the bottom
of the receptacle 166.
[0153] The bottom edge of the side panel 176 is folded over to form
the broad long flap 230 to act as part of the holding panel
structure. A corner area 240 of a first corner piece 238 is secured
to a portion 246 of the bottom of the panel 242 with adhesive. A
fold line is formed at 242. The corner piece 238 is formed as an
extension of the lower edge of the side wall 178. (Also see FIG.
23.)
[0154] Another corner piece 232 has a corner portion 234 secured to
the flap 230 by means of adhesive. A fold line is provided at 236.
The flap 232 is formed as an extension of the lower edge of the
side wall 174. (See FIG. 23.)
[0155] It should be understood that the bottom structure shown in
FIG. 20 has a trapezoidal shape rather than a rectangular shape
because it is shown partially folded, with the portions 246 and 248
of the bottom panel 242 partially folded inwardly, in the general
position shown in FIG. 21, and the corner pieces folded partially
along the lines 242.
[0156] The corner pieces provide linkages which help to pull the
panel 242 downwardly when the side walls are unfolded, and to
strengthen the holding structure and the bottom of the
receptacle.
[0157] The pop-up barriers for the receptacle 166 are shown, in
part, at 250 and 252, with fold lines 254 and 256, and
semi-circular cut-out edges 258 and 260. All of these parts are
shown in their folded up position so they form part of a "solid"
bottom.
[0158] The holding structure 186 amply supports the transverse
panel 242 so as to form a strong bottom with convertible pop-up
side barriers to separate it into two compartments.
[0159] By now it should be apparent that the term "solid" bottom
refers to a bottom portion that has no large holes in the areas for
supporting containers in contrast to those shown in the embodiments
of FIGS. 1-15.
Single Barrier Structure
[0160] FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing an alternative
embodiment of the invention in which a single divider structure 270
is provided for one of the receptacles 262 of a carrier like that
shown in FIG. 16.
[0161] The structure has side walls 264, 266 and 268, and the
structure 270 has a panel 272 with a fold line 273, and a vertical
panel 274 when popped-up. Semi-circular cutouts are provided at 276
and 278 to provide lateral support for containers in either of the
two compartments formed by the barrier structure 270.
[0162] Although the use of the single pop-up barrier structure or
divider 270 in the "up" position commits both compartments to use
with side barriers, the single structure 270 shown in FIG. 22 can
be advantageous in some uses.
Single Sheet Manufacture
[0163] FIG. 23 is a top plan view of a single sheet 279 from which
the carrier shown in FIGS. 16 through 21 can be manufactured.
[0164] Advantageously, the structure permits all graphic matter on
the carrier to be printed by printing only one surface of the sheet
279. FIG. 23, in fact, shows in dashed outline, the recommended
bleed boundaries for the printing process at 280.
[0165] The upper surface of the sheet 279 is treated by adding an
acrylic finish to make it smoother than raw fiberboard, whereas the
other side of the sheet is left raw. This gives the upper surface a
better appearance, but saves the cost of coating both sides. The
acrylic finish also makes the fiberboard stronger and more
liquid-resistant.
[0166] The vertical panels are shown at 204 and 206, and the fold
line between them is shown at 208.
[0167] Advertising is printed on each of the surfaces 210 and 212,
168, 170 and 172, 174, 176 and 178, and on each of the panels 204
and 206. Advantageously, this is all done in one printing
operation, usually including two to four color separation printing
steps, without the extra cost of turning the sheet over to print on
the other side.
[0168] Separation lines are formed at 290, 292, 288, at the edges
of the pop-up barriers, and elsewhere where separation is desired.
Fold lines are provided at 208, 284 and 286, at the junctions
between the side panels 168, 170, 172, etc., and wherever else
folds are to be made.
[0169] Then, the sheet 279 is sent to the automatic fabrication
equipment in which scrap such as the panel 282 and other unneeded
material is removed. The panels 210 and 212 are folded along lines
284 and 286 onto the surfaces of the panels 204 and 206 underneath
the ones shown in FIG. 23. Adhesive is applied to the panels 210
and 212 and they are adhered to the panels 204 and 206.
[0170] The side wall structures are folded and secured at the left
edge to the tab 205 or 207 with adhesive to complete the foldable
side wall structure. The corner tab portions 232 and 240 are folded
and adhered to the surfaces to which they must adhere, and the side
wall structures are folded flat against the central panel structure
162.
[0171] It should be noted that the side walls of the carrier shown
in FIG. 16 are somewhat higher than the side walls of other
carriers shown above in this patent application. Although the
height of the side walls can be varied as needed, if the objects
stored in the receptacles do not reach the tops of the receptacles,
a tray that is slipped over the panel structure 162 as indicated at
70 in FIG. 16 is likely assured of a flat, even supporting edge on
which to rest; namely, the upper edges of the side panels.
[0172] Of course, the height of the side walls can be adapted to
the needs of a particular usage for the carrier.
Six-Pack Carrier
[0173] Although the carrier structures described above can be used
to carry six bottles or cans of liquids such as beverages, FIGS.
24, 25 and 30 of the drawings show a preferred construction which
can be used to make a dedicated six-pack carrier.
[0174] FIG. 24 shows a carrier 300 similar to the carriers
described above, but dedicated to carrying six bottles or cans or
other similarly shaped objects. The carrier 300 consists of a
central support structure 302 comprising two panels 304 and 306
formed by folding a single panel along a line 303 which forms the
upper edge of the central support structure 302. A handle hole 350
is provided in the upper portion of the structure 302. The upper
portion of each panel 304 and 306 is strengthened by an overlay
panel 305 or 307. Panels 305 and 307 are separated from the blank
shown in FIG. 30 along lines 309, 311 and 313, folded along a line
301, and secured to the panel 304 or 306 by adhesive.
[0175] As in the other carriers described herein, a foldable
receptacle is provided extending from the lower portion of each of
the panels 304 and 306.
[0176] One receptacle includes side walls 308, 310 and 312, as well
as a bottom structure and foldable dividers 328 and 330 to divide
the receptacle into three compartments, each of which is designed
to hold a bottle such as the bottle 342 or a can or other similarly
shaped object.
[0177] The second receptacle has side wall panels 314, 317 and 315
(see FIGS. 30 and 25 as well as FIG. 24), and has two fixed
dividers 340 and 341 dividing that receptacle into three bottle or
can-receiving compartments, and a bottom structure like that of the
first receptacle.
[0178] The side wall 314 is secured to the panel 306 by gluing it
to a flap 346 which extends from the side of the panel 306.
Similarly, the side wall panel 312 is glued to the panel 304 by
means of a flap 348 extending from the side of the panel 304. Flaps
349 and 353 (see FIG. 30--not shown in FIG. 24) extending,
respectively, from panels 314 and 312, wrap around the edge 347 or
355 (FIG. 30) and are fastened with adhesive to the inside surface
of panel 304 or 306 to reinforce those edges.
[0179] The bottom construction for the second of the two
receptacles is illustrated in FIG. 25, which shows the bottom of
the receptacle when it is almost unfolded.
[0180] A pair of long flanges 316 and 318 extend, respectively,
from the outside side wall panel 317 and the central panel 306.
(See FIGS. 25 and 30.)
[0181] Other relatively short flanges 320 and 322 extend,
respectively, from the shorter side walls 314 and 315 of the
receptacle. Each of the long flanges 316 or 318 has a tab or flap
324 or 326 at one end which is secured with adhesive to one of the
flanges 318 or 316, as shown in FIG. 25. Fold lines are provided at
325 and 327, and the bottom structure shown in FIG. 25 is partially
folded inwardly along those fold lines.
[0182] The bottom structure of the first receptacle is the same as
that of the second receptacle, and has been given the same
reference numerals.
[0183] Each of the flanges 316 and 318 has a projection 313 or 319
with a lateral edge 321 or 323. When the receptacle is fully
unfolded and the bottom structure is pressed downwardly (as it will
be under the weight of a bottle or can), the projections 313 and
319 overlap the other flange 316 and 318, and the lateral edges 321
and 323 abut against one another as shown at 329 in FIG. 24 to
prevent the resiliency of the folded carrier material to cause the
receptacle to close. This holds the receptacles open while they are
being loaded, and the overlap of the flanges 316 and 318 and their
projections strengthens the bottom structure.
[0184] Of course, other structures shown elsewhere herein also can
be used to hold the receptacles open.
[0185] The dividers 328, 330, 340 and 341, are formed as cutouts
from the panels 304 and 306, as it is apparent form FIGS. 30 and
24. This leaves holes such as the hole 344 shown in FIG. 24. This
does not diminish the carrier capabilities of the device, but has
the advantage using only one die-cut blank, and of insuring minimum
weight of the carrier by not having to add additional material
constituting the barriers. Each of the dividers 328, 330, 340,
etc., is attached integrally to the panel 304 or 306 at one end,
and has a folded flap 332, 334, 343 or 345 which is adhesively
secured to the long side wall 310 or 317 of the receptacles.
[0186] Advantageously, the bottom edges 336, 338 of the dividers
are spaced upwardly from the bottom of the vertical panels so as to
give clearance for the flanges 318 to rotate downwardly from the
folded-up position to a horizontal position when the carrier is
unfolded.
[0187] The carrier shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 is believed to be
particularly advantageous for high speed, high volume production
line manufacturing, in that it can be formed from a single blank,
has a relatively small number of glue-points, and can be printed on
one side without having to turn the blank over to print the other
side.
[0188] The glue points in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 24, 25 and
30 are at flaps 332, 334, 343 and 345, flaps 346, 348, 349 and 353,
and flaps 326 and 324. Additionally, the panels 305 and 307 are
glued onto the panels 304 and 306, respectively.
Large Two-Cup Carrier
[0189] FIGS. 26, 27 and 31 show a carrier 360 which is specifically
designed to carry two relatively large cups 382 of a beverage, such
as 48 ounce beer cups. It is particularly advantageous for use in
ball parks or other stadiums in which customers are limited to
purchasing two beers at a time. However, the carrier also can be
used for carrying other large relatively heavy objects (e.g., two
large potted plants, etc.)
[0190] The carrier 360 includes a central support structure 362
consisting of a panel folded at edge 267 to form vertical panels
364 and 366. Panels 368 and 369 (also see FIG. 31) are separated,
folded over and glued onto the upper portions of panels 364 and
366, for reinforcement purposes, as in other carriers described
above.
[0191] Two receptacles are formed by side wall panels 372, 374 and
376, and 378, 380 and 377 which are adhesively secured to the
panels 364, 366 by flaps 404 and 406, respectively.
[0192] FIG. 27 shows the nearly unfolded bottom structure of the
receptacle formed by walls 378, 380 and 377. The construction is
similar to the bottom structures described above, except that the
bottom of each receptacle is approximately square when fully
unfolded. The bottom structure of the other receptacle is the same
and is given the same reference numerals.
[0193] The bottom structure consists of four flanges 384, 388, 394
and 398, with the flanges being secured together at opposing
corners 392 and 396 of the bottom structure. One end of each of the
flanges 394 and 398 is trimmed diagonally, and fold lines are
provided at 400 and 402. The bottom structure is partially folded
along those lines as shown in FIG. 27.
[0194] The flange 384 is larger than the other flanges, and extends
outwardly far enough to completely cover the bottom and engage the
opposite side wall (and, optionally, the other side walls) of the
receptacle so that it spans and covers the entire bottom of the
receptacle. An upturned flanged edge 386 helps grip the inner wall
against which it bears so as to help hold the flange 384 down while
objects are being placed in the receptacles.
[0195] A relatively short hand or finger hole 370 is provided near
the top of the center support structure 362. The sides of the hole
370 advantageously extend relatively close to the side edges of the
relatively narrow central support structure.
[0196] FIG. 28 is a side elevation view which shows the carrier 360
in use with an auxiliary tray 408 which has a slot in the bottom
like that shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 above, and the tray is slipped on
to the carrier 360 by inserting the top of the center support
structure 362 through the slot. This allows solid foods or
additional beverages such as soup containers etc., to be placed in
the tray which can rest on the tops of the large containers 382.
This serves the same purpose as similar trays shown in the
embodiments described above.
[0197] FIG. 29 shows a further embodiment of the invention in which
two of the carriers 360 are arranged side-by-side and fitted into a
special auxiliary tray 410 with a wide slot large enough to allow
two of the central support structures 362 to pass through
side-by-side. The auxiliary tray 410 thus secures the two carriers
360 side-by-side to one another. The holes 370 are close enough to
one another so that a single hand of an adult can grip both hand
holes simultaneously, thus enabling the customer to carry four
large beverage cups with one hand.
[0198] FIGS. 32, 33 and 34 illustrate another version of the
two-compartment carrier 360 shown in FIGS. 26, 27 and 31. The
carrier is the same as the carrier shown in those Figures except
for the bottom construction. Therefore, the components are given
the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 26, 27 and 31, with the
exception of the components of the bottom construction.
[0199] FIG. 32 is a broken away view illustrating the bottom
construction for one of the two compartments of the carrier. The
bottom wall has four flanges or flaps 424, 428, 430 and 434 which
are overlaid atop one another and edge-to-edge when the carrier is
completely unfolded. In FIG. 32, the flaps are shown in a position
just prior to becoming completely flattened.
[0200] FIG. 33 is a bottom elevation view similar to FIG. 27,
showing a partially unfolded bottom construction of the compartment
opposite the one whose bottom is shown in FIG. 32. The bottom
constructions of the two compartments are the same.
[0201] The bottom construction shown in FIG. 33 includes a flange
or flap 412 extending from the right end of the side panel 377 (see
FIG. 34); a flange 416 extending from the right end of side wall
panel 364; a flange 422 extending from the right side of side wall
panel 380; and a flange 418 extending from the end of side wall
panel 378. Each of flanges 416 and 422 has a tab 414 or 420,
respectively, extending from one edge of the flange and with a fold
line 424 or 426 (see FIG. 33).
[0202] The tab 414 is glued to the flange 412, and the tab 420 is
glued to the flange 418, as shown in FIG. 33.
[0203] When the carrier is completely folded, the flanges fold up
flat along the fold lines 424 and 426, as well as the fold lines
between each of the flanges and the side wall panel which it
extends from.
[0204] The flanges are shaped and dimensioned so that they just
clear one another as the carrier is being unfolded, or slightly
interfere with one another. Then, when the bottom is completely
unfolded, the edges of the panels abut against one another to make
a tight-fitting bottom panel construction, as shown in FIG. 32.
[0205] The bottom construction shown in FIGS. 32, 33 and 34 is
believed to be stronger and more able to sustain heavy loads than
the bottom construction shown in FIGS. 26, 27 and 31.
Four-Compartment Fixed-Divider Carrier
[0206] FIG. 35 shows another carrier 440 constructed in accordance
with the present invention. FIG. 36 is a bottom plan view of one of
the two receptacles of the carrier, and FIG. 39 is a top plan view
of the blank used to make the carrier 440.
[0207] The carrier 440 includes a central support structure 442
consisting of a panel folded at the middle forming the top edge 443
of the carrier and forming two vertical panels 446 and 448. Panels
444 and 445 (see FIG. 39) are glued onto the panels 448 and 446
respectively, as in the embodiments described above. A hand hole
450 is formed in the central support structure. Two opposite
receptacles are formed and extend outwardly from the panels 446 and
448. Each compartment is divided by a divider structure into two
separate receptacles.
[0208] One receptacle consists of side walls 452, 454 and 456
folded over to form a rectangular side wall structure and glued to
the central panel 448 by means of a flap 461.
[0209] Similarly, the other large compartment is formed by side
walls 458, 460 and 462 folded over and secured to the panel 446 by
means of a flap 459 which is glued onto the wall 458. Two dividers
464 and 466 are provided. They are formed as cut-outs from the
panels 448 and 446, respectively. Each has an end flap 468 or 470,
respectively, which is glued to the long side wall 454 or 460. This
effectively divides the receptacle into two smaller
compartments.
[0210] The bottom construction is similar in some respects to that
of the carrier shown in FIGS. 24, 25 and 30. Each of the two
receptacles has a long flange 472 or 473 extending from the panel
448 or 446. An opposing long flange 474 or 475 extends from the
outer side wall of each compartment. The long flange 472 has a wide
portion 476 and a narrower portion, and each of the outer panels
474 and 475 has a wider portion 478, etc. Each of the long flanges
has a lateral edge located at the transverse center line of the
flange. These edges abut against one another when the carrier is
fully unfolded, as shown at 480 in FIG. 35, and as will be
described in greater detail below.
[0211] FIG. 36 is a bottom plan view of the bottom of the
compartment formed by the walls 458, 460 and 462 in FIG. 35. The
bottom is shown nearly unfolded, as in similar views of carriers
described above. The flange 475 has an end tab 494, and flange 473
has an end tab 498.
[0212] A flange 496 extending from the side wall 458 and a flange
500 extending from the side wall 462 are glued, respectively, to
the tabs 494 and 498 with fold lines at 497 and 499,
respectively.
[0213] The section 482 of flange 475 is narrower than the section
483 and a lateral edge is formed at 490 with a beveled corner at
493.
[0214] Similarly, the portion 485 of flange 473 is wider than the
portion 484, and a lateral edge is formed at 492. The corner is
beveled at 495.
[0215] When the carrier is fully unfolded, the flanges 473 and 475
are pushed downwardly by the weight of the object placed in the
compartment, or by the hand of someone assembling the carrier, and
the two lateral edges 492 and 490 of the two flanges 473 and 475
engage one another and lock together to hold the compartment
open.
[0216] The bottom edges of the two dividers 464 and 466 are located
upwardly from the bottom of each compartment so as to give adequate
room for the flanges 472 and 474 to swing downwardly to lock
together to form the bottom of the carrier when the carrier is
unfolded.
[0217] Because the opposing long flanges of each of the two
compartments of the carrier overlap one another and interlock, the
bottom is strong and holds itself open while objects are being
loaded into the carrier.
Carrier with Cup-Holding Holes and Tall Sides
[0218] FIG. 37 shows another carrier 502 of the invention. It has
cup-holding holes in the bottom, like the embodiment shown in FIGS.
1 and 2, but has side walls that are relatively tall so as to
enable the carrier to hold tall beverage cups with their bottoms
stabilized in the cup-receiving holes and their top portions held
by the relatively tall side walls.
[0219] FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 38-38 of
FIG. 37, and FIG. 40 is a top plan view of the blank used to form
the carrier 502.
[0220] The carrier 502 includes a central support structure 504
with a panel folded at 505 to form two vertical panels 508, 510.
Panels 506 and 512 (FIG. 40) are glued onto the surfaces of the
panels 510 and 508, respectively.
[0221] There are two large receptacles in the carrier. One is
formed by side walls 512, 514 and 516 glued to a flange 534
extending from the panel 510.
[0222] The other receptacle is formed by side wall panels 518, 520
and 522, with a flange 532 extending from the panel 508 glued to
the panel 518.
[0223] Each of the bottom walls of the two receptacles has a pair
of beverage cup-receiving holes 524, 526 and 528, 530.
[0224] Referring now to FIG. 38, the bottom structure includes a
bottom panel 550, an intermediate panel 548 and a broad horizontal
panel 532 or 534. The broad panel 532 spans the full width of its
receptacle. Similarly, the broad panel 534 spans the width of the
other receptacle. Each broad panel has an upwardly extending flange
536 which engages frictionally with the inside of the wall 514
against which it bears when the carrier is fully unfolded.
[0225] Each of the broad panels 532 and 534 has three projections
540 and 544, respectively, which extend outwardly by a short
distance to engage with holes 542 and 546 (see FIGS. 38 and 40) and
extend through those holes when the panel is fully unfolded. This
helps to hold the panels 532 and 534 down.
[0226] A cup 535 is shown resting on a support surface 60 through
the hole 528 with the horizontal panel 534 in its upraised
position. This showing is made for comparison purposes with FIG. 2
in which the bottom structure is substantially the same, except for
the flanges 536 and 538, the projections 540 and 544, and the
receiving holes 542 and 546. In other respects, the construction of
the bottom of the carrier 502 is substantially the same as that
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and will not be described further here.
[0227] In addition to the advantages described above for the
carrier 502, the projections 540 and their receiving holes improve
the ability of the panels 532 and 534 to stay down after being
unfolded and the projections fitted into the holes, thus
facilitating loading of the carrier.
[0228] The materials of which the carrier of the present invention
can be made need not be expensive. Ordinary, medium weight
fiberboard is believed to be sufficient for most purposes. For
example, it can be 0.20 S.U.S. recycled newspaper material. If
waterproofing beyond the acrylic coating is necessary, a further
waterproof coating can be applied on both the inside and outside
surfaces.
[0229] It is within the realm of the invention also to make the
carriers out of flexible plastic materials.
[0230] If desired, the carriers can be made of plastic materials
that are easily washable so that the carriers can be reused.
[0231] The invention, in its various embodiments, well satisfies
the objectives set forth above. The carrier is easy and quick to
unfold, stands upright on its own to allow the service worker
maximum utilization of his or her hands to load food and/or
beverages into the carrier, and provides a solid, strong, safe
carrying means for both liquid and solid foods. Moreover, the
invention provides a relatively large amount of exterior
advertising space.
[0232] The carrier of the invention also is relatively inexpensive
to make, in that it can be made from a single sheet of material,
has a relatively low number of glue-points, and bears all the
printing on one side of the blank.
[0233] In the solid-bottom version of the invention, a variety of
different types of beverage or other containers can be carried,
both cylindrical containers and tapered containers. Solid objects
can be carried next to containers of liquid, or in the auxiliary
tray attachable to the carrier.
[0234] The invention also is advantageous in that the central
support panel structure is formed of hinged-together panels which
are printed on the inside facing surfaces so that additional
advertising displays can be placed on those surfaces.
[0235] The solid-bottomed embodiments can be used for carrying
beverages, such as soft drinks, beer, hot or iced tea or coffee,
hot soup, and many other objects other than food, such as blood or
other fluids in hospitals, flower pots, cans of oil or fuel
additives for automobiles or motorcycles, and, in general, a wide
variety of objects which will fit into the carrier.
[0236] It should be understood that when the term "food" is used in
the claims of this patent application, unless otherwise stated, the
term includes all forms of food including liquid, solid, granular,
and other forms.
[0237] The above description of the invention is intended to be
illustrative and not limiting. Various changes or modifications in
the embodiments described may occur to those skilled in the art.
These can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the
invention.
* * * * *